Stevens Pass
NWAC has suspended avalanche forecast operations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read our full statement here.
Spring Avalanche Safety Message
Avalanches and avalanche accidents occur in snow-covered mountains in the Spring:
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Avalanche terrain doesn’t get less consequential in the spring. Choose terrain and travel practices that minimize your exposure to avalanches.
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If you see recent avalanches, you may be able to trigger others.
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Winter-like weather means winter-like avalanches. Expect an increased avalanche danger during or just after storms.
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Serious avalanche accidents or fatalities occur nearly every Spring. Read more on past PNW avalanche accidents here: https://www.nwac.us/accidents/accident-reports/
Dynamic conditions:
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March and April are transitional months for the snowpack and weather. During transition, the weather will fluctuate between cold and wet winter-like storms, spring-time showers, and warm and dry periods. .
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You will find differences in snow and avalanche conditions as you move through the mountains:
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Upper elevation and shaded, northerly aspects may hold colder, winter-like snow.
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Many lower elevation and sun-exposed slopes have fully transitioned to a spring snowpack or hold shallow snow cover.
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In areas with a colder more winter-time snowpack, watch for typical “Red Flag” indicators that you could trigger an avalanche:
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Recent avalanches
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Cracking or collapsing in the snow
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Blowing snow or fresh drifts
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More than 6 inches of recent snow
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Strong sun and warming temperatures on freshly fallen snow
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You can reduce your exposure to wet avalanches by traveling:
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During periods of cold clear nights with solid overnight freezes
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Earlier in the day when air temperatures are colder or on aspects not receiving direct sun
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On slopes where the snow is frozen or drier snow remains
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Other Springtime Hazards:
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Cornices have grown very large. They can fall with warming temperatures and sun. Limit your exposure to overhead cornice hazard, and avoid standing on them when traveling on ridges.
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Seracs may collapse at any time.
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Cornice or serac fall may trigger larger avalanche deeper in the snowpack on the slopes below. Knowing your overhead exposure is key.
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Glide cracks have opened. Don’t fall in them or linger below them.
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Same goes for creeks. Creeks are opening and water levels will rise as snow melts.
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Bridged crevasses may sag and weaken with prolonged warm weather. Practice safe glacier travel.